Results from MDT are in

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Hi, just had the call from my husband's surgeon, he says following the MDT meeting, they've decided to start with chemo as the liver lesion is large 8cm, in the hope to get good shrinkage, review then possible surgery on what's left.

Now we just have to wait for the call to meet the Oncologist to discuss what chemo, duration etc. Of course me being me I've researched the Oncologist and hubby will be in good hands, the Oncologist is also running some trial for prevention of cancer returning, so very hopeful.

The Surgeon did say we should keep an eye for signs of a blockage in the colon which could happen, but hopefully once treatment begins that should become less likely. Presently my husband is eating normally although more healthy, and no toilet problems, hope it stays this way.

The Oncologist is at the University hospital some 1hr and 30 minutes away, from our home, just thinking how we can manage this as we are on school drop off and pick up for our grandchildren.

In your experiences are you able to drive after chemo, or do you need to be driven?

Is there a rough session time for receiving chemo or are there too many variables?

Just waiting for the ketter/call now to meet the Oncologist, the Surgeon said it would be very soon, there is no delay, which is good.

Feel like we're moving forward

We are so thankful for this group and the support we've had, makes it a less lonely place to be.

Thanks Frances x

Kareno62 over 4 years ago

Hi Francesst. Good to hear that you have a plan in place to zap the tumour. Do you know what chemo your hubby will be having? Are they planning on fitting a port/picc line or putting it in through an iv?

Yes the questions never end! How long does it take? Yes it varies! I had oxaliplatin through an iv so they have to put that in, then they check it, then they put an antisickness drug through which took about 30 minutes then the actual chemo which took about 90 mins I think then they flush the line through with saline which took about another 20 mins. There will be other patients there too so sometimes you had to wait for the nurse to come over and disconnect you.

Oxaliplatin has quite a few side effects and my arm was really painful afterwards so I eventually had a picc line fitted but had to go to the hospital for that flushing in between sessions. If your hubby has a pump fitted where the chemo is administered over a couple of days at home then they may show you how to disconnect it as you live so far away from the hospital.

One of oxaliplatin main side effects is a reaction to anything cold - the weather, drinks, anything in the fridge so scarf and gloves are a must.

The board can probably give you more advice once you know what he’s having but hopefully this will help you know what to ask the oncologist?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Francesst over 4 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thanks Karen, we'll know what treatment once we see the Oncologist, making lots of notes on things to ask, so we are best prepared. Really appreciate your support. Frances xx

court over 4 years ago in reply to Francesst

Good news Francesst. Another step closer to treatment .

Karen has given you some great advice.
My mum would not have been able to drive home from treatment. But you could definitely ask about what time to administer it . I had to do the school run and then drive my mum to treatment . I had to get a few friends to take them home once or twice but not too often ! They were really helpful . I was about 45 mins in the morning to get to the treatment unit .

I also packed a blanket, and flask with tepid water as my mum had a horrible sensation in her throat . Sipping tepid water helped . Not cold not hot though . 2020 has sorted out the face covering which is a big help leaving a chemo unit !

You can relax a bit tonight . Had to laugh at you checking out the oncologist. I thought I was the only one that did that ! I did it with her liver surgeon and discovered he was surgeon to the Queen no less . Good enough for the Queen good enough for my mum then !

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Francesst over 4 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court, definitely feeling a little more motivated , have to get used to this roller-coaster of emotions as there's sure to be more in store for us.

Couldn't resist checking out the Oncologist, hardly likely to find reviews that he was the worst on the planet though!

The Queen's surgeon absolutely for your Mum, they deserve the very best.

Making lists of hints and tips along the way, so I'll add these to my list.

Thank you so much for your support, I think we may just dare to relax tonight.

Frances xxx